Sixteen young Caymanians successfully completed and graduated the 2025 Dart Hospitality Training Programme on 9 October, marking another milestone in Dart’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent and strengthening Cayman’s tourism workforce. Since its inception, 55 students have graduated from the programme, equipping them with the skills, confidence and professional development needed for successful careers in one of Cayman’s most vital economic sectors.
This year’s graduates were Aaron Johnson, Angelina Brown, Daniel Ancel, Destiny McLean, Jazaiah-Zenel Martinez-Christian, Joshua Bryce, Mariah Pinckney, Nathaniel Cornwall, Roshan Ebanks, Revaughn Johnson, Reyah Carrazana, Rochanni Cornwall, Sauntie Kelly, Tad McFarlane, Tiea-Renee McLaughlin and Tyana Dedrick.
Each year, graduates who have shown tremendous growth and development are offered fulltime employment opportunities within Dart’s hospitality portfolio, including all graduates from this year’s cohort. Many alumni have also gone on to achieve significant professional recognition, including three former students who were recognised as top employees in the last year, and a further five who have since been promoted. Reyah Carrazana, one of this year’s graduates, scooped the ‘Young Waiter’ award at the YYY Cayman Islands competition in September.
“These are truly exciting times for the students of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme – each trainee is given the opportunity to learn, grow and discover what they are capable of and how to excel in this field. It’s wonderful to see so many young Caymanians who are interested in careers in hospitality and are immensely proud of their remarkable progress,” said Dianne Conolly, Dart hospitality programme manager.
Launched in 2022, the Dart Hospitality Training Programme is a three-month long paid internship open to young Caymanians who are interested in gaining practical, hands-on experience in the hospitality industry. Students are trained in areas such as guest services, culinary arts, event management and back-of-house operations at one of Dart’s hospitality properties, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman, Hotel Indigo® Grand Cayman, Bonny Moon Beach Club and Le Soleil d’Or.
“Dart is helping to create a strong pipeline of skilled Caymanians who are ready to fill the jobs and leadership roles of tomorrow. In just four short years, the Dart Hospitality Training Programme has blossomed into something truly impactful. The programme does more than just teach the technical side of hospitality; participants learn what it truly means to deliver world-class service – the kind of service that keeps our visitors coming back year after year,” said Hon. Gary Rutty, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Trade Development, who spoke at the event.
“Thank you for proving that Caymanians belong in hospitality – not just behind the scenes, but at the forefront of our industry. You represent the next generation of ambassadors for our islands. Let this [graduation] be the beginning of a lifelong journey that takes you as far as your ambition and work ethics will carry you,” he added.
Participants of the Dart Hospitality Training Programme also received two weeks of intensive employability training, led by Lynn University’s College of Business Management, where they learned essential workplace and communication skills to best prepare them for long-term career success.
Dr. Katrina Carter-Tellison, chief academic officer at the Florida-based Lynn University, spoke about the institution’s partnership with Dart. “This is more than a collaboration; it’s an investment in the future of the Cayman Islands. It represents the power of education to open doors, create opportunities and strengthen our community.”
This year, trainees also learned service techniques through the programme’s partnership with the Academy of Wines & Spirits, including table setup, guest greeting, order taking, professional service and even conflict resolution if serving a difficult guest.
Applications for the next cohort of trainees will open in February 2026. Learn more about the Dart Hospitality Training Progamme.
Dart media contact:
Nasaria Brady
Manager, Communications
nasaria.brady@dart.ky
345-938-0740
In other news
